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Carbonation Volumes Calculator

Work out carbonation volumes instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Carbonation Volumes Calculator

Carbon dioxide solubility follows Henry's law, rising with pressure and falling steeply with temperature. One volume of carbon dioxide is 1.96 grams per litre. Cold beer needs far less pressure for the same carbonation, which is why force carbonation is done at serving temperature.

Formulas

Carbonation

Volumes = (gauge psi + 14.695) x (0.01821 + 0.09011 x e^(-(T_F - 32)/43.11)) - 0.003342

Mass basis

CO2 (g/L) = volumes x 1.96

Worked example

With the default values below, Carbonation Volumes Calculator returns Pressure Needed For Target of 11.807. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Beer Temperatureaccepts -5–30 degrees C
4 degrees C
Applied Gauge Pressureminimum 0 psi
12 psi
Target Carbonationminimum 0 volumes CO2
2.5 volumes CO2
Beer Volumeminimum 0 L
50 L

Results

Pressure Needed For Target
11.807
Volumes At Applied Pressure
2.5183
Carbon Dioxide Dissolved
245.00
Carbon Dioxide Per Litre
4.9000

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Carbonation
  3. 3Mass basis
  4. 4Pressure Needed For Target= 11.807
  5. 5Volumes At Applied Pressure= 2.5183
  6. 6Carbon Dioxide Dissolved= 245.00
  7. 7Carbon Dioxide Per Litre= 4.9000

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 4 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
  • Carbonating vessels must be rated for the working pressure and fitted with a pressure relief device. Over-pressurising a vessel can cause it to rupture violently.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Carbonating vessels must be rated for the working pressure and fitted with a pressure relief device. Over-pressurising a vessel can cause it to rupture violently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What carbonation levels are typical?

British ales 1.5-2.0 volumes, American ales and lagers 2.4-2.7, German wheat beers 3.5-4.5 and Belgian styles up to 4. Style expectations vary widely.

Why does dispensing pressure differ from carbonation pressure?

Line resistance and vertical rise consume pressure. Dispense pressure must equal the equilibrium pressure for the carbonation level plus enough to overcome line losses, or the beer foams or goes flat.

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